what is Tyvek®

Feels like paper, but it’s not paper
Feels like fabric, but it’s not woven fabric
Distinctive look & feel
Lightweight & flexible
Water-resistant, yet breathable
Tear-resistant & durable
Printable and convertible
100% Recyclable

DuPont™ Tyvek® – a unique non-woven material made from high-density polyethylene continuous filaments – offers a portfolio of tough, durable sheet products that are stronger than paper and more cost-effective and versatile than fabrics. Since Tyvek® was initially discovered in 1955, DuPont has been a recognized global leader in selective barrier technology. Lightweight and durable, water-resistant yet breathable, DuPont™ Tyvek® has introduced new dimensions of protection, security and safety in a wide variety of categories, including building envelopes , industrial protective apparel, and medical packaging. Today, Tyvek® is being used as a trendy material for lifestyle consumer product design.

There are two different types of Tyvek® products used in design and consumer applications: paper-like hard structure and fabric-like soft structure. Each comes in multiple grades for selection. DuPont has been also collaborating with value chain customers to enhance the flexibility of Tyvek® in color, shape and structure to help enable an infinite possibility of the design.

Designers in various categories are fascinated with the unique paper-like look and feel of Tyvek® material and its convertibility and versatility. More and more consumer brands have launched products designed with Tyvek® material that focus on a contemporary design and a sustainable lifestyle.

Durable

DuPont™ Tyvek® is a unique nonwoven material only from DuPont. Tyvek® is made of high density polyethylene fibers randomly laid and compressed to form a remarkably tough printing substrate that is ideal for applications where durability & tear resistance is of prime importance. Tyvek® can resist repeated folding and flexing without tearing. It can also be glued, laminated, sewn, stapled and fixed.

Tyvek® combines the performance of paper, film and fabric and thus makes it ideal for a wide range of applications. Because of its unique physical properties, Tyvek® has already been successfully used for a wide variety of applications such as:

Light-weight

Tyvek® is incredibly light and flexible. It boasts a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, so coupled with the high strength and recycleability it is therefore an ideal printing substrate for banners and signs.

Tear-resistant

DuPont™ Tyvek® is made to perform in harsh, rugged and extreme conditions. Water, chemicals, heat, cold, rough handling, long-term outdoor use? No problem! Tyvek® is tear, puncture, water, UV and chemical resistant.

Water-resistant and chemical-resistant

When wet, paper absorbs humidity and falls apart. Tyvek® repels water, keeping your message perfectly intact. Tyvek® is not affected by most acids, bases and salts. It has excellent rot and mildew resistance and resists soiling and staining.

Printable

Tyvek® is printable using traditional techniques:

• offset
• flexo
• screen
• UV inkjet
• thermal transfer
• gravure
• latex
• letterpress printing processes

Tyvek® can be used for most digital printing techniques. For more information refer to our technical handbook.

Easily Converted

DuPont™ Tyvek® is a unique and remarkably tough printing substrate incredibly easy to convert. Tyvek® can be easily:

• Coated
• Embossed
• Folded (dead foldable)
• Glued
• Hot foil stamped
• Laminated
• Perforated & punched
• Stitched
• Welded and heat sealed

Recyclable

Made of high-density polyethylene fibres (HDPE), Tyvek® is 100% recyclable just like plastic bottles.

Withstands Outdoor Exposure

There's no need for protective coating on your tags, labels or whatever—as long as you print them on DuPont™ Tyvek® substrate. Tyvek® graphics and envelopes styles can be expected to withstand outdoor exposure from one to three months, depending upon weather conditions. Special UV coatings may extend the exposure length.

Corona Treated

The corona and antistat treatment on Tyvek® enhances the effectiveness of any ink, adhesive or other coating process and makes Tyvek® easy to use on flexographic, letterpress, offset, and some digital presses.  

FDA-approved for Food Contact and Sterile Applications

If you're printing tags or labels for food contact or sterile applications, we've got just what you need.